Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) are two heavyweights in the pharmaceutical sector. Both companies generate billions in sales and profits and have developed many successful drugs over the years.
However, both underperformed in 2019. Merck's 19% return last year was well above the 13% that Johnson & Johnson produced for its investors, but shares of both companies still fell well shy of the 30% return enjoyed by the S&P 500.
Deciding which stock is the better buy today is no easy task. Both offer investors some great opportunities in healthcare, and there's not a whole lot separating the two. Let's take a closer look at the two stocks to see which one has the edge today.